Providing product with integrated wiki module

BACKGROUND

0001The present disclosure relates to user interfaces, product interaction, and collaboration and, more specifically, to a system and method for providing product interaction and collaboration.

0002Existing computing systems may provide a user with a tutorial or help feature. This tutorial feature may be a module that allows the user to view content that is stored locally or remotely. The content may be electronic versions of documents that are in one or more electronic file formats. The user may use these documents to understand how to use an application or an object of the application.

0003The concept of a wiki is known. A wiki is a set of computer-readable instructions executed by a computer, such as a server, that may allow users to freely add, modify, or delete content in collaboration with others. Wikis are typically accessed through one or more web browsers. Text is usually written using a simplified markup language or a rich-text editor. While a wiki is a type of content management system, it may differ from a blog or most other such systems in that the content may be created without any defined owner or leader, and wikis have little implicit structure, allowing structure to emerge according to the needs of the users. Known wikis may support hyperlinks and may include a simple text syntax for creating new pages and crosslinks between internal pages on the fly. A wiki is unusual among group communication mechanisms in that it allows the organization of contributions to be edited in addition to the content itself.

BRIEF SUMMARY

0004According to an aspect of the present disclosure, systems and methods disclosed herein may include instantiating a first instance of an application on a first display device. The application may include a plurality of objects and an integrated wiki module. The integrated wiki module may be integrated into the application and may include a plurality of object wiki pages associated with the plurality of objects. The first display device may be controlled to display a first control module when a first object of the plurality of objects is displayed on the first display device. Further, the first display device may be controlled to display a first object wiki page of the plurality of object wiki pages in response to receiving a selection of the first control module via the first instance of the application. The first object wiki page may include first content associated with the first object. Instructions to change the first content included in the first object wiki page may be received via the first instance of the application, such that the first content becomes changed first content. In addition, systems and methods disclosed herein may include instantiating a second instance of the application on a second display device. The second display device may be controlled to display the first control module when the first object of the plurality of objects is displayed on the second display device. In addition, the second display device may be controlled to display the first object wiki page including the changed first content in response to receiving a selection of the first control module via the second instance of the application after receiving the instructions to change the first content via the first instance of the application.

0005Other features and advantages will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0006Aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and are not limited by the accompanying figures with like references indicating like elements.

0007<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic representation of a network including devices serving and instantiating applications with integrated wiki modules.

0008<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a schematic representation of a system configured to display the content of applications with integrated wiki modules.

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a schematic representation of a system configured to instantiate and execute applications with integrated wiki modules.

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a process of instantiating a first instance of an application with an integrated wiki module on a first display and utilizing the application via the first display.

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a process of instantiating a second instance of the application of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> on a second display and utilizing the application via the second display.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> illustrates a process of displaying a main wiki page of an application with an integrated wiki module that enables a user to select and display objects in the application. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref> illustrates a process of displaying a main wiki page of the application that enables a user to select and display object wiki pages associated with objects in the application.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> illustrates a process of displaying an object wiki page associated with an object in an application that enables a user to select and display the object or another object in the application. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> illustrates a process of displaying an object wiki page associated with an object in an application that enables a user to select and display another object wiki page associated with the object or another object in the application.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates an interface for an application including an integrated wiki module.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates an object wiki page associated with an object in the application of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a main wiki page for the application of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates an editor for editing wiki pages in the application of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0018As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present disclosure may be illustrated and described herein in any of a number of patentable classes or context including any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented entirely in hardware, entirely in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or in a combined software and hardware implementation that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” “component,” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable media having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

0019Any combination of one or more computer readable media may be utilized. The computer readable media may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would comprise the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (“RAM”), a read-only memory (“ROM”), an erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM” or Flash memory), an appropriate optical fiber with a repeater, a portable compact disc read-only memory (“CD-ROM”), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium able to contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

0020A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take a variety of forms comprising, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or a suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be a computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that is able to communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Program code embodied on a computer readable signal medium may be transmitted using an appropriate medium, comprising but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

0021Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present disclosure may be written in a combination of one or more programming languages, comprising an object oriented programming language such as JAVA®, SCALA®, SMALLTALK®, EIFFEL®, JADE®, EMERALD®, C++, C#, VB.NET, PYTHON® or the like, conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language, VISUAL BASIC®, FORTRAN® 2003, Perl, COBOL 2002, PHP, ABAP®, dynamic programming languages such as PYTHON®, RUBY® and Groovy, or other programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (“LAN”) or a wide area network (“WAN”), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider) or in a cloud computing environment or offered as a service such as a Software as a Service (“SaaS”).

0022Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (e.g., systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable instruction execution apparatus, create a mechanism for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

0023These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that, when executed, may direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions, when stored in the computer readable medium, produce an article of manufacture comprising instructions which, when executed, cause a computer to implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable instruction execution apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatuses, or other devices to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

0024While certain example systems and methods disclosed herein may be described with reference to mainframes in cloud computing, systems and methods disclosed herein may be related to architecture and information technology (“IT”) service and asset management in cloud computing, as well as usability and user experience in middleware and common services. Systems and methods disclosed herein may be applicable to a broad range of applications that monitor various parameters associated with various disciplines, such as, for example, IT systems and other activities of importance to the user.

0025Referring now to computing systems, certain systems may provide a user with a tutorial or help feature. This tutorial feature may be a module that allows the user to view electronic versions of documents. These electronic versions of documents may be in one or more electronic formats such as, for example, Portable Document Format (“PDF”) or document file format (“DOC”). The user may use the documents to understand how to use an application or an object of an application. Existing systems may only be able to provide electronic versions of documents to the user. However, in some instances, the user may want to make or create her own guide and/or share her guide with other users.

0026In particular, a user using a product on a computer, such as an application, may want to make detailed notes about what she is doing or what she can do with objects in the application. In existing systems, there is no easy way how to embed these kinds of hints for the user and others into the product itself. To address this and other needs, configurations of the systems and methods disclosed herein may provide the ability to add notes to the product, as well as the ability to add the rich content that a wiki system provides, such that one or more users may also collaborate directly within the product.

0027In systems disclosed herein, a wiki feature may be integrated directly into an application, such as a web user-interface or cloud application, like CA Chorus™ or any other application with an interface that permits a plurality of users to be logged in to the application and/or to operate the application at the same time. The wiki feature is especially useful when integrated into for web applications running remotely (e.g., outside of user personal PC) that support a multi-user user interface. By integrating such a wiki feature directly into an application, such systems provide a completely new way to utilize a wiki that may allow each user to add rich content (e.g., tutorials, training materials, advice, instructions, reminders, links to webpages, links to other wiki entries, videos, charts, tables, images, audio recordings, and other content) to the application in that can be accessed and edited by other users in real time. Further, the wiki features may permit users to see a history of edits and changes made to the wiki content. Consequently, control modules may be integrated into the application to open wiki pages associated with objects in the application, to modify such wiki pages, and to view a history of modifications to such wiki pages. In some configurations, control modules may enable an ability to revert a wiki page to a previous version.

0028In existing systems, a user may open or activate an object (e.g., a data set, a table, a window, a sub-application, user information, a setting screen, an error notification) in an application. Certain object features (e.g., action buttons, menus, or other controls that launch some action, such as filter, sort, open, help, display, activate, start, search, select, delete, cancel, print, modify, set property) may be provided in conjunction with (e.g., displayed with, displayed as part of, displayed at the same time as, displayed as active) the object. In systems disclosed herein, a new object feature, such as a button, menu, or other control, may be provided in conjunction with the object. This new object feature, when selected and activated, initiates a dedicated action to open a wiki page. The wiki page may be opened in a new window, for example. Accordingly, each object in the application may be associated with a dedicated wiki page for that object, such that a plurality of wiki pages corresponding to a plurality of objects are associated with the application. In some configurations, all of the objects in the application may be associated with respective dedicated wiki pages. In other configurations, only a portion of the objects in the application may be associated with respective dedicated wiki pages. In certain configurations, a dedicated wiki page may be associated with the application itself. Each wiki page also may be associated or linked with other wiki pages, such that a multilevel wiki page structure may exist. In addition, one or more wiki pages for respective objects may provide links to the wiki pages for other related objects.

0029Consequently, one or more users may add notes, print screens with some description, videos, links to useful webpages, and/or other content that is supported by the wiki feature integrated with the application. In certain configurations, only a subset of users may have permission to edit one or more wiki pages (e.g., based on administrator rights, power user status for an object associated with a wiki page, employment status or position, sign-in status). In some configurations, one or more users may not have permission to read or edit certain wiki pages. In additional configurations, certain users may only be permitted to edit a predetermined number of wiki pages or to make a predetermined number of edits to a particular wiki page in a given period of time. In particular configurations, a wiki page may open in a read only mode by default and an additional action may be required to activate an edit mode in which such wiki page may be edited. In any event, every user with appropriate access rights may browse the content of the respective wiki page associated with a specific object and update, enhance, edit, revise and/or add content for herself and/or other users. Accordingly, the systems disclosed herein may provide for a user-created help mechanism for each object that includes user notes and rich content associated with the object. Further, such systems with wiki features may ensure it is easy and fast for a user to create content that may be immediately used by other users.

0030In systems disclosed herein, another feature, such as a button, menu, or other control, may be provided in conjunction with the application itself. This other feature, when selected and activated, initiates a dedicated action to open a main wiki page. This other feature may be provided on a main window of the application, in a menu, or elsewhere within the application. In some configurations, the other feature may be provided in conjunction with one or more objects in the application. The main wiki page may be provided in a new window and may include a list of each wiki page associated with a respective object or, conversely, a list of each object with an associated wiki page. The main wiki page may include a search interface that a user may use to search all of the wiki pages associated with objects in the application for particular content. The search interface may accept search terms, keywords, topics, and may also include various filters. Consequently, the wiki feature integrated with the application may supplement or supplant the traditional help content provided by technical engineers employed by the application's distributors. Moreover, the systems disclosed herein may enable the user to make notes, provide help, and leave hints, in collaboration with others, for herself or others in just of a small fraction of time. Further, such content may have a direct relation to what it describes. In some configurations, wiki pages may open in read only mode when opened via the main wiki page or via the search interface, but may open in edit mode when opened via the new feature provided in conjunction with the object itself (e.g., a wiki page may open in read only mode when the wiki page is opened by clicking a link from the main wiki page, but may open in edit mode when the wiki page is opened by clicking a button provided in conjunction with the object). In other configurations, the mode in which the wiki page opens may be indifferent with respect to how the wiki page was opened.

0031System and methods disclosed herein may provide an application with an integrated wiki feature that may allow the user to search for content (e.g., wiki content) associated with an object (e.g., via a search command provided via a main wiki page); to add, edit, revise, and delete content associated an object (e.g., via a wiki page associated with the object), and to share content (e.g., via the wiki page) with other users. Such systems and methods may provide an integrated wiki feature. The integrated wiki feature may be integrated into an application. Such systems and methods may present the user with an option to search for content. For example, a wiki page that addresses how to migrate datasets in an application may have a header, “How to Migrate a Dataset,” and a set of key phrases comprising “Dataset,” a description of a task (e.g., migration), a name of a tool that is used for migrating a dataset, and a reason for performing the task (e.g., to free up hard drive space). The header and the one or more key phrases may be used to search for a wiki page having particular content. Moreover, each wiki page may be associated with a name of an object in the application. For example, continuing from the last example, the wiki page may be associated with a name of an object in the application that is used tier migrating a dataset or a name of an object in the application that is a part of a structure or tree for migrating a dataset. If the wiki page is associated with a name of an object, then such systems and methods may identify the wiki page as a wiki page that is related to the object. Such systems and methods may also provide an option to display the wiki page to the user. For example, such systems and methods may display a button with the option to display an associated wiki page next to the object on a screen, and the user may select the option by clicking on the button with a cursor. When the user selects the option to view the wiki page, such systems and methods may further present the related wiki page to the user. Moreover, such systems and methods may permit the user to edit, add to, or revise the wiki page.

0032In such systems and methods disclosed herein, one or more wiki page may initially contain default content that is provided by a service provider (e.g., a manufacturer, a distributor, a licensor). For example, a company that develops an application with a plurality of objects may provide default content for wiki pages associated with each of the plurality of objects in the application. The wiki pages may help the user understand how to perform one or more actions with each of the plurality of objects. The wiki page associated with each object may be accessible by a group of users that are running the application on different devices. Thus, when a user edits a wiki page, the revised content may be immediately available to many users. Nevertheless, in some configurations, revisions may need to be first approved by an administrator before other users may access the revised content.

0033When a user chooses to search for content, such systems and methods may search among the wiki pages that are accessible to that user. The search may comprise finding or identifying one or more wiki pages that are each associated with one or more search terms. The one or more search terms may comprise a header, key phrases, or names of objects. Such systems and methods may then present the one or more wiki pages to the user. Presenting the one or more wiki pages may comprise displaying the headers, titles, associated objects, and/or preview images for each of the one or more wiki pages in a list. Upon viewing the list, the user may select a particular wiki pages from the list.

0034Systems and methods disclosed herein may provide an interactive way for users to share and obtain information about an application's features. Unlike existing systems and methods that only provide access to written content, such systems and methods may provide users with rich, user-created content presented via wiki pages. The rich content may comprise data on performing a task in the application. By accessing the rich content, users may learn how to perform the task. Additionally, users can create their own content and add it to the wiki page for a related object. For example, experienced engineers can create a tutorial for a beginner engineer in a field. Moreover, after such content is created and stored, it can be used by future generations of users. Service providers that notice that particular content in a wiki page is useful may also include such content as a factory default in a next release of the application.

0035Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a network <b>1</b> for a user to access and use an application with wiki features (e.g., a wiki module) integrated therein. Network <b>1</b> may comprise one or more clouds <b>2</b>, which may be public clouds, private clouds, or community clouds. Each cloud <b>2</b> may permit the exchange of information and services among users that are connected to such clouds <b>2</b>, in certain configurations, cloud <b>2</b> may be a wide area network, such as the Internet. In some configurations, cloud <b>2</b> may be a local area network, such as an intranet. Further, cloud <b>2</b> may be a closed, private network in certain configurations, and cloud <b>2</b> may be an open network in other configurations. Cloud <b>2</b> may facilitate wired or wireless communications of information among users that are connected to cloud <b>2</b>.

0036Network <b>1</b> may comprise one or more servers <b>3</b> and other devices operated by service providers and users. Network <b>1</b> also may comprise one or more devices <b>4</b> utilized by users. Service providers and users may provide information to each other utilizing the one or more servers <b>3</b>, which connect to the one or more devices <b>4</b> via cloud <b>2</b>. Servers <b>3</b> may comprise, for example, one or more of general purpose computing devices, specialized computing devices, mainframe devices, wired devices, wireless devices, monitoring devices, infrastructure devices, and other devices configured to provide information to service providers and users. Devices <b>4</b> may comprise, for example, one or more of general purpose computing devices, specialized computing devices, mobile devices, wired devices, wireless devices, passive devices, routers, switches, mainframe devices, monitoring devices, infrastructure devices, and other devices utilized by service providers and users. Exemplary items may include network <b>1</b>, cloud <b>2</b>, servers <b>3</b>, and devices <b>4</b>.

0037Moreover, network <b>1</b> may comprise one or more systems <b>100</b> that may provide an application with wiki features integrated therein. System <b>100</b> may be, for example, one or more of a general purpose computing device, a specialized computing device, a wired device, a wireless device, a mainframe device, an infrastructure device, a monitoring device, and any other device configured to provide an application with wiki features integrated therein. System <b>100</b> may also be configured to collect data from one or more data sources (e.g., servers, sensors, networks, interfaces, other devices). System <b>100</b> may collect information from network <b>1</b>, cloud <b>2</b>, servers <b>3</b>, devices <b>4</b>, and other devices connected to cloud <b>2</b>. System <b>100</b> may connect to cloud <b>2</b> and monitor network <b>1</b>, cloud <b>2</b>, servers <b>3</b>, devices <b>4</b>, and other devices connected to cloud <b>2</b> for available information. The available information may be user information, access information, performance information, infrastructure information, software or application information, usability information, and other information provided by service providers and users. By collecting the available information from network <b>1</b>, cloud <b>2</b>, servers <b>3</b>, devices <b>4</b>, and other devices connected to cloud <b>2</b>, system <b>100</b> may perform one or more processes associated with using the application with wiki features integrated therein. These one or more processes may comprise accessing a wiki page associated with an object in the application; editing, adding to, deleting from, or otherwise revising the content of the wiki page associated with the object; sharing the wiki page with other users; accessing a main wiki page that aggregates information about the respective wiki pages associated with a plurality of objects in the application; and enabling navigation (e.g., via searching, filtering, napping, or other organizational methods) among the respective wiki pages.

0038In some configurations, one or more of servers <b>3</b> and devices <b>4</b> may comprise system <b>100</b>. In other configurations, system <b>100</b> may be separate from servers <b>3</b> and devices <b>4</b>.

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows an exemplary configuration of device <b>4</b>. Device <b>4</b> may include a display <b>4</b><i>a </i>(e.g., a monitor, a projector, a touch screen, a solid state display system), a processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>(e.g., a processor, a computer, an integrated circuit), and an input device <b>4</b><i>c </i>(e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a trackpad, a touch screen or other touch interface, a motion sensor, a microphone, a camera). Display <b>4</b><i>a</i>, processing device <b>4</b><i>b</i>, and input device <b>4</b><i>c </i>may be integrated into a single unit or may be distinct components connected to one another through one or more wireless or wired connection mechanisms. Processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>may receive instructions from systems <b>100</b>, servers <b>3</b>, and/or other devices <b>4</b> via cloud <b>2</b>. Display <b>4</b><i>a </i>may be controlled to display various graphical or textual elements based on the instructions received by processing device <b>4</b><i>b</i>. Input device <b>4</b><i>c </i>may be used to input instructions into processing device <b>4</b><i>b</i>, which may transmit the instructions to systems <b>100</b>, servers <b>3</b>, and/or other devices <b>4</b> via cloud <b>2</b> if appropriate. For example, processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>may receive instructions to instantiate an instance of a cloud-based application on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>from system <b>100</b>, and a user may provide instructions to the cloud-based application running on system <b>100</b> via input device <b>4</b><i>c</i>. In such configurations, system <b>100</b> may thereby be responsible for instantiating (e.g., representing, causing the display thereof, providing access to) the instance of the cloud-based application on display <b>4</b><i>a</i>. In some configurations, processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>may similarly execute local instructions, rather than instructions via cloud <b>2</b> from systems <b>100</b>, servers <b>3</b>, and other devices <b>4</b>.

0040In certain configurations, system <b>100</b> may be configured similarly to device <b>4</b>, with a display (not shown), an input device (not shown), and a processing device (e.g., CPU <b>102</b> as described below). Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, system <b>100</b> is now described. System <b>100</b> may reside on one or more networks <b>1</b>. System <b>100</b> may comprise a memory <b>101</b>, a central processing unit (“CPU”) <b>102</b>, and an input and output (“I/O”) device <b>103</b>. Memory <b>101</b> may store computer-readable instructions that may instruct system <b>100</b> to perform certain processes. In particular, memory <b>101</b> may store an application program with an integrated wiki module. A plurality of instances of the application may be instantiated on a plurality of devices <b>4</b> simultaneously.

0041The application program may include a user interface <b>800</b> that includes a plurality of control modules and an object tree <b>802</b>. The control modules may include one or more functional buttons, such as functional buttons <b>804</b>, <b>805</b>, <b>806</b>, which may be used to navigate the application and/or process objects in the application. The object tree <b>802</b> may identify a plurality of objects, such as objects <b>808</b>, <b>810</b>, related to the application. Each of the plurality of objects may include object content, such as object table <b>816</b>, which is displayed when the respective object is selected. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, object table <b>816</b> corresponds to object <b>808</b>, which is selected in the object tree <b>802</b>. The control modules also may include an object wiki button <b>812</b> and an application wiki button <b>814</b>. In some configurations, the control modules may include a private wiki button <b>820</b>. The application wiki button <b>814</b> may be displayed when the application is instantiated on a display, such as display <b>4</b><i>a</i>. Functional button <b>806</b>, object wiki button <b>812</b>, and private wiki button <b>820</b> may be examples of object content buttons that are associated with a particular object and that are displayed on a display when the particular object is selected and displayed on the display.

0042The wiki module may include a main wiki page <b>1000</b> and a plurality of object wiki pages <b>900</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 and 10</figref>. The main wiki page <b>1000</b> may provide information on how to use a wiki page, information about the application, and information about the plurality of object wiki pages <b>900</b>. In particular, the main wiki page <b>1000</b> may include a list of object wiki tree <b>1002</b> that lists the names of (or some other identifier of) all or a portion of the object wiki pages <b>900</b> included in the wiki module. In some configurations, the main wiki page <b>1000</b> may include a list of the objects in the application. The main wiki page <b>1000</b> also may include a search module <b>1004</b> in which a search command may be entered. The search command may include a keyword, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the search command may include one or more filter values. Upon receiving the search command via the main wiki page <b>1000</b>, the wiki module may search aggregate information about the object wiki pages <b>900</b> and compile a list of relevant object wiki pages <b>900</b> based on the search command. The main wiki page <b>1000</b> subsequently may display the compiled list. System <b>100</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display the main wiki page <b>1000</b> in response to receiving an instruction selecting the application wiki button <b>814</b> via an instance of the application instantiated on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>using input device <b>4</b><i>c</i>. Alternatively or additionally, system <b>100</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display the main wiki page <b>1000</b> in response to instantiating an instance of the application on display <b>4</b><i>a</i>. In configurations in which private and public object wiki pages <b>900</b> are available (described below in more detail) the search module <b>1004</b> may search aggregate information about both private and public object wiki pages <b>900</b> if the user performing the search is authorized to access such private object wiki pages <b>900</b>.

0043Each of the object wiki pages <b>900</b> may be associated with an object in the application and may include content associated with such object. The content may include, for example, the name of the associated object, notes about the object, videos about the object, images of the object, tutorials for interacting with the object, hyperlinks to the worldwide web or intranet locations, and other rich content. For example, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows that the content of object wiki page <b>900</b> may include an annotated image of the object <b>902</b>. The content also may include links to the object itself or to other object wiki pages that, when selected, will control the display to display the object or another object wiki page, respectively. In particular configurations, each object in the application may be associated with at least one object wiki page <b>900</b>. In some configurations, each object in the application may be associated with a dedicated object wiki page <b>900</b> assigned to such object, such that a number of object wiki pages <b>900</b> is greater than or equal to the number of objects in the application. System <b>100</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display an object wiki page <b>900</b> associated with a particular object in response to receiving an instruction selecting the object wiki button <b>812</b> via an instance of the application instantiated on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>using input device <b>4</b><i>c </i>or in response to receiving an instruction selecting a link to such object wiki page <b>900</b> from another wiki page via an instance of the application instantiated on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>using input device <b>4</b><i>c</i>. Alternatively or additionally, system <b>100</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display an object wiki page <b>900</b> associated with a particular object in response to selecting the particular object in user interface <b>800</b> via an instance of the application instantiated on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>using input device <b>4</b><i>c. </i>

0044In some configurations, each object may be associated with at least two object wiki pages <b>900</b>. In such configurations, one of the at least two object wiki pages <b>900</b> associated with an object may be a public object wiki page <b>900</b> that may be viewable and/or editable by the public (e.g., all authorized users of the application), and another of the at least two object wiki pages <b>900</b> associated with the object may be a private object wiki page <b>900</b> that may be viewable and/or editable only by a particular user or a subset of the authorized users of the application. Public object wiki pages <b>900</b> and private object wiki pages <b>900</b> may be substantially similar, except that private object wiki pages <b>900</b> may include private content created by, edited by, or accessible only to the particular user or subset of the authorized users. In other configurations, object wiki pages <b>900</b> may include both public and private content wherein the private content may be viewable and/or editable only by a particular user or a subset of the authorized users of the application. In each of these configurations, an authentication process may be performed to verify whether a particular user may access and/or edit the private content. Thus, if a particular user is authorized to view the private content, private wiki button <b>820</b> may be displayed in conjunction with an object and/or private content may be available in object wiki page <b>900</b>.

0045Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, the wiki module also includes an editor <b>1100</b> in which a user may edit content of a wiki page (e.g., revise content, remove content from, add content to). Upon receiving a request to edit content via an instance of the application instantiated on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>using input device <b>4</b><i>c</i>, system <b>100</b> may control display <b>4</b> to display editor <b>1100</b>, and the user may edit the content of a wiki page. The editor <b>1100</b> may permit editing of object wiki pages <b>900</b> and, in some configurations, editing of main wiki page <b>1000</b>. After edits of content made in the editor <b>1100</b> are accepted, the content of the wiki page may be changed for all instances of the application instantiated by system <b>100</b>. Consequently, when another instance of the application is instantiated on another display <b>4</b><i>a </i>and the edited wiki page is to be displayed after the edits are accepted, the other display <b>4</b><i>a </i>will display the changed content. Moreover, the editor <b>1100</b> may store the history of edits of a wiki page and may enable a user to revert to a previous version of the wiki page. In certain configurations, editor <b>1100</b> may only be available under certain conditions (e.g., when a wiki page is accessed through the object wiki button <b>812</b> as opposed to through a link from the main wiki page <b>1000</b>) or to certain users (e.g., only administrators can edit the main wiki page <b>1000</b>).

0046Returning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, when computer-readable instructions, such as the application with the integrated wiki module, are executed by CPU <b>102</b>, the computer-readable instructions stored in memory <b>101</b> may instruct CPU <b>102</b> to operate as one or more devices. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, for example, CPU <b>102</b> may operate as one or more of an instantiation controller <b>104</b>, an object controller <b>106</b>, a control module controller <b>108</b>, a wiki module controller <b>110</b>, and a receiving device <b>112</b>. Example functions of these devices are discussed below with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4-7B</figref>.

0047I/O device <b>103</b> may receive one or more of data from networks <b>1</b>, data from other devices and sensors connected to system <b>100</b>, and input from a user and provide such information to CPU <b>102</b>. I/O device <b>103</b> may transmit data to networks <b>1</b>, may transmit data to other devices connected to system <b>100</b>, and may transmit information to a user (e.g., display the information, send an e-mail, make a sound). Further, I/O device <b>103</b> may implement one or more of wireless and wired communication between system <b>100</b> and other devices.

0048Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, an instruction to start an application including an integrated wiki module may be initiated at device <b>4</b>. System <b>100</b> may receive the instruction and, in S<b>401</b>, instantiation controller <b>104</b> may instantiate an instance of the application on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>by providing processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>with appropriate instructions via I/O device <b>103</b>. A user at device <b>4</b> may use input device <b>4</b><i>c </i>to select object <b>808</b>, for example, in object tree <b>802</b>. The user's selection is received by processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>and transmitted to receiving device <b>112</b> of system <b>100</b> via I/O device <b>103</b>. Thus, in S<b>403</b>, receiving device <b>112</b> may receive the instruction to display the contents of object <b>808</b>. Thereafter, in S<b>405</b>, object controller <b>106</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display the contents of object <b>808</b> and control module controller <b>108</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display one or more control modules including object wiki button <b>812</b>. As noted above, object controller <b>106</b> and control module controller <b>108</b> may be the same device and may perform the processes of S<b>405</b> as a single process. Private wiki button <b>820</b> also may be displayed in S<b>405</b>, if available.

0049A user at device <b>4</b> may use input device <b>4</b><i>c </i>to select object wiki button <b>812</b>. The user's selection is received by processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>and transmitted to receiving device <b>112</b> of system <b>100</b> via I/O device <b>103</b>. Thus, in S<b>407</b>, receiving device <b>112</b> may receive the instruction selecting object wiki button <b>812</b>. Thereafter, in S<b>409</b>, wiki module controller <b>110</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display an object wiki page <b>900</b> associated with object <b>808</b> in response to receiving the instruction selecting object wiki button <b>812</b>. The object wiki page <b>900</b> associated with object <b>808</b> may be displayed in a read-only mode in some configurations. Similarly, receiving device <b>112</b> may receive an instruction selecting private wiki button <b>820</b>, if available, in S<b>407</b>, in such a configuration, wiki module controller <b>110</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display a private object wiki page <b>900</b> associated with object <b>808</b> in response to receiving the instruction selecting private wiki button <b>820</b>.

0050While viewing the object wiki page <b>900</b> associated with object <b>808</b>, the user at device <b>4</b> may, for example, observe an error in the object wiki page <b>900</b> associated with object <b>808</b>. Consequently, the user at device <b>4</b> may use input device <b>4</b><i>c </i>to provide an instruction selecting an edit mode. The user's selection is received by processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>and transmitted to receiving device <b>112</b> of system <b>100</b> via device <b>103</b>. Thereafter, wiki module controller <b>110</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display the object wiki page <b>900</b> associated with object <b>808</b> in editor <b>1100</b> in response to receiving instruction selecting an edit mode. The user at device <b>4</b> may use input device <b>4</b><i>c </i>to correct the observed error (or to make other changes, such as adding new content or deleting outdated content) by editing the content of the object wiki page <b>900</b>. After the user finishes editing, the user may use input device <b>4</b><i>c </i>to finalize the edits and generate an instruction for system <b>100</b> to change the content of the object wiki page <b>900</b> associated with object <b>808</b> based on the finalized edits. The user's instruction is received by processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>and transmitted to receiving device <b>112</b> of system <b>100</b> via I/O device <b>103</b>. Thus, in S<b>411</b>, receiving device <b>112</b> may receive the instruction to change the content of the object wiki page <b>900</b> associated with object <b>808</b>.

0051Wiki module controller <b>110</b> subsequently may change the content of the object wiki page <b>900</b> associated with object <b>808</b> based on the finalized edits instructed by the user. These changes may be made globally to a plurality of instances of the application instantiated by system <b>100</b> (e.g., all versions of the application used by a particular customer, all versions of the application instantiated by the particular system <b>100</b>) in addition to the instance of the application via which the change was instructed. Thereafter, in S<b>413</b>, wiki module controller <b>110</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display the object wiki page <b>900</b> associated with object <b>808</b> reflecting the changes instructed by the user.

0052Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, another instance of the application instantiated on another device <b>4</b> is described. An instruction to start an application including an integrated wiki module may be initiated at another device <b>4</b>. System <b>100</b> may receive the instruction and, in S<b>501</b>, instantiation controller <b>104</b> may instantiate another instance of the application on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>of the other device <b>4</b>. A user at the other device <b>4</b> also may select object <b>808</b>, for example. Thus, in S<b>503</b>, receiving device <b>112</b> may receive the instruction to display the contents of object <b>808</b>. Thereafter, in S<b>505</b>, object controller <b>106</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>of the other device <b>4</b> to display the contents of object <b>808</b> and control module controller <b>108</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>of the other device <b>4</b> to display object wiki button <b>812</b>. As noted above, object controller <b>106</b> and control module controller <b>108</b> may be the same device and may perform the processes of S<b>505</b> as a single process.

0053A user at the other device <b>4</b> may also select object wiki button <b>812</b>. Thus, in S<b>507</b>, receiving device <b>1112</b> may receive the instruction selecting object wiki button <b>812</b>. Thereafter, in S<b>509</b>, wiki module controller <b>110</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>of the other device <b>4</b> to display the object wiki page <b>900</b> associated with object <b>808</b> in response to receiving the instruction selecting object wiki button <b>812</b>. The content of the object wiki page <b>900</b> displayed on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>of the other device <b>4</b> may reflect the most recent changes to the content of wiki page <b>900</b>. In other words, if S<b>509</b> occurs before S<b>411</b>, the content of the object wiki page <b>900</b> displayed on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>of the other device <b>4</b> may reflect the unchanged content. In contrast, if S<b>509</b> occurs after S<b>411</b>, the content of the object wiki page <b>900</b> displayed on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>of the other device <b>4</b> may reflect the changed content, as changed by another user. Consequently, other users may view the changes made to the content of a wiki page approximately in real-time.

0054Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>, an instruction to start an application including an integrated wiki module may be initiated at device <b>4</b>. System <b>100</b> may receive the instruction and, in S<b>601</b>, instantiation controller <b>104</b> may instantiate an instance of the application on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>by providing processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>with appropriate instructions via I/O device <b>103</b>. In S<b>605</b>, system <b>100</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display an initial application screen, which may include elements of the application interface <b>800</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. In particular, control module controller <b>108</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display application wiki button <b>814</b>.

0055A user at device <b>4</b> may use input device <b>4</b><i>c </i>to select application wiki button <b>814</b>. The user's selection is received by processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>and transmitted to receiving device <b>112</b> of system <b>100</b> via I/O device <b>103</b>. Thus, in S<b>607</b>, receiving device <b>112</b> may receive the instruction selecting application wiki button <b>814</b>. Thereafter, in S<b>609</b>, wiki module controller <b>110</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display main wiki page <b>1000</b> in response to receiving the instruction selecting application wiki button <b>814</b>. The main wiki page <b>1000</b> associated with object <b>800</b> may be displayed in a read-only mode in some configurations. In certain configurations, a user may edit main wiki page <b>1000</b> in the same manner disclosed above with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> and object wiki page <b>900</b>. In some configurations, system <b>100</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display the main wiki page <b>1000</b> in response to instantiating an instance of the application on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>without requiring selection of application wiki button <b>814</b>.

0056As disclosed above, main wiki page <b>1000</b> also may include a search module <b>1004</b> in which a search command may be entered. The user may desire to search the information about the objects in the application and/or object wiki pages aggregated by the main wiki page <b>1000</b>. Consequently, the user may use input device <b>4</b><i>c </i>to input a search command including one or more keywords and/or filter settings (e.g., types of objects or object wiki pages, dates when objects and/or object wiki pages were last edited and/or created). The user's selection is received by processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>and transmitted to receiving device <b>112</b> of system <b>100</b> via I/O device <b>103</b>. Thus, in S<b>611</b>, receiving device <b>112</b> may receive the search command. In response to receiving the search command, wiki module controller <b>110</b> may, in S<b>613</b>, perform a search of the aggregate information available to the main wiki page <b>1000</b> and/or other information available to the wiki module controller <b>110</b>. In S<b>613</b>, wiki module controller <b>110</b> may search aggregate information about the object wiki pages <b>900</b> and/or the objects in the application and compile a list of relevant object wiki pages <b>900</b>, objects based on the search command, and/or other information. In S<b>615</b>, the wiki module controller <b>110</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display the main wiki page <b>1000</b> including the compiled list of information.

0057The user may select a piece of information displayed on display <b>4</b><i>b </i>using input device <b>4</b><i>c</i>. For example, the user may select a piece of information from the list of information compiled after receiving a search command and displayed on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>in S<b>615</b>. Alternatively, if the search process of S<b>611</b>, S<b>613</b>, and S<b>615</b> has been omitted or if the search results are not of sufficient utility to the inventor, for example, the user may select a link or other piece of information displayed on main wiki page <b>1000</b> that is associated with an object in the application and/or an object wiki page <b>900</b>. The user's selection is received by processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>and transmitted to receiving device <b>112</b> of system <b>100</b> via I/O device <b>103</b>. Thus, in S<b>617</b>, receiving device <b>112</b> may receive the selection of the piece of information from the compiled list or from other information displayed on main wiki page <b>1000</b>. Thereafter, in S<b>619</b>, wiki module controller <b>110</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display the object associated with the selected piece of information in response to receiving the instruction selecting the piece of information from the compiled list or from other information displayed on main wiki page <b>1000</b>.

0058The processes shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref> are substantially similar to the processes shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>, with the exception that S<b>621</b> may be different from S<b>619</b>. Specifically, in S<b>621</b>, wiki module controller <b>110</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display an object wiki page <b>900</b> associated with the selected piece of information, rather than the object associated with the object wiki page <b>900</b>, in response to receiving the instruction selecting the piece of information from the compiled list or from other information displayed on main wiki page <b>1000</b>. In some configurations, certain pieces of selected information (e.g., links to an object) may trigger S<b>619</b> and ultimately cause display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display an object, whereas other pieces of selected information (e.g., links to an object wiki page <b>900</b>) may trigger S<b>620</b> and ultimately cause display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display an object wiki page <b>900</b>.

0059Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref>, wiki module controller <b>110</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display an object wiki page <b>900</b> in S<b>701</b>, in a manner similar to S<b>409</b> and S<b>509</b> disclosed above. The displayed object wiki page <b>900</b> may include, for example, hyperlinks (or other types of links) to objects in the application. Such objects may include the object associated with the displayed object wiki page <b>900</b> and/or other objects that are not associated directly with the displayed object wiki page <b>900</b>. A user may select one of the links in the object wiki page <b>900</b> using input device <b>4</b><i>c</i>. The user's selection is received by processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>and transmitted to receiving device <b>112</b> of system <b>100</b> via I/O device <b>103</b>. Thus, in S<b>703</b>, receiving device <b>112</b> may receive the selection of a link to a particular object in the application. Thereafter, in S<b>705</b>, object controller <b>106</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display the content associated with the selected particular object in response to receiving the selection of the link to the particular object in the application. If the content associated with the selected particular object is already displayed on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>but is obfuscated or blocked by another window, object controller <b>106</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to bring the content associated with the selected particular object to the front of the windows in the display, for example.

0060<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> shows processes similar to the processes shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref>, with the exception that S<b>707</b> and S<b>709</b> may be different from S<b>703</b> and S<b>705</b>. Specifically, the object wiki page <b>900</b> displayed on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>in S<b>701</b> may additionally or alternatively include, for example, hyperlinks (or other types of links) to other object wiki pages <b>900</b>. Such other object wiki pages <b>900</b> may also be associated with the same object as the currently displayed object wiki page <b>900</b> or may be associated with other objects in the application. Thus, after displaying an object wiki page <b>900</b> on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>in S<b>701</b>, a user may select one of the links to another object wiki page <b>900</b> using input device <b>4</b><i>c</i>. The user's selection is received by processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>and transmitted to receiving device <b>112</b> of system <b>100</b> via I/O device <b>103</b>. Thus, in S<b>707</b>, receiving device <b>112</b> may receive the selection of a link to another object wiki page <b>900</b>. Thereafter, in S<b>707</b>, object controller <b>106</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to display the other object wiki page <b>900</b> in response to receiving the selection of the link to the other object wiki page. If the other object wiki page is already displayed on display <b>4</b><i>a </i>but is obfuscated or blocked by another window, object controller <b>106</b> may control display <b>4</b><i>a </i>to bring the other object wiki page <b>900</b> to the front of the windows in the display, for example.

0061Although many configurations disclosed above contemplate using a cloud-based application executed on system <b>100</b>, applications with integrated wiki modules may be executed locally on device <b>4</b> or other devices using a local processor, such as processing device <b>4</b><i>b </i>in place of CPU <b>102</b>. Changes to the content of wiki pages made via such systems may be transmitted to a centralized system, such as a server <b>3</b> or a system <b>100</b>, such that the changed content is available to the appropriate users of the application.

0062The flowcharts and diagrams in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11</figref> illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

0063The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to comprise the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

0064The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to comprise any disclosed structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. For example, this disclosure comprises possible combinations of the various elements and features disclosed herein, and the particular elements and features presented in the claims and disclosed above may be combined with each other in other ways within the scope of the application, such that the application should be recognized as also directed to other embodiments comprising other possible combinations. The aspects of the disclosure herein were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.